TRENDS. in the supply of Accounting Graduates and the Demand for Public Accounting Recruits

Transcription

1 2009 TRENDS in the supply of Accounting Graduates and the Demand for Public Accounting Recruits

2 2009 TRENDS in the supply of Accounting Graduates and the Demand for Public Accounting Recruits By Dennis R. Reigle Director, Academic & Career Development Assisted by Heather L. Bunning Senior Manager Education & Recruitment, Academic & Career Development Scott Moore Manager Education & Recruitment, Academic & Career Development TARP Worldwide Introduction 2009 TRENDS 3

3 CONTENTS 3 Introduction 5 Key Findings 12 Trends in Supply 13 Survey Methodology 16 Accounting Enrollment 22 Accounting Enrollment Predictions 24 Accounting Graduates 31 Accounting Placements 38 Trends in Demand 39 Survey Methodology 40 CPA Firm Hiring 46 CPA Firm Projections Hiring 50 Firm Demographics 57 CPA Examination 58 Appendix Breakdown of Geographic Regions

4 INTRODUCTION The 2009 edition of Trends in the Supply of Accounting Graduates and the Demand for Public Accounting Recruits is a continuation of a long-standing AICPA survey. The last survey was published in 2008 (for the academic year), and the current version attempts to identify key trends in accounting enrollment, graduation and hiring through the academic year. This report is prepared to provide guidance and information to various stakeholders and interested parties. We hope that colleges and universities with accounting curricula, CPA firms that hire graduates, as well as business, industry, and governments that employ accounting professionals will find this data useful. Various member organizations such as the American Accounting Association, state CPA societies and Beta Alpha Psi, should also find the information contained herein valuable for planning and analytical purposes. The survey methodology, response rates and confidence levels for the data are contained in this report. We are very appreciative of all who took the time to participate, and welcome your questions and feedback as we strive to make the information in these surveys relevant to your needs. Introduction 2009 TRENDS 3

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6 KEY FINDINGS Supply Enrollment Accounting enrollments continue on an upward trend, advancing 4.7% in to almost 213,000 students across all degree programs. All degree levels Bachelor s, Master s and Doctoral show increases. Once again, the majority of the enrollment growth was at the Bachelor s degree level, with an increase of almost 7,800 students, comprising roughly 82% of the total enrollment increase. Capacity constraints in accounting programs continue to be a concern, one likely to be exacerbated by current economic conditions. At AACSB accounting accredited programs, 16% report having to turn away an average of 56 qualified candidates. AACSB business accredited programs report a modest 6% with enrollment limitations, but they average declining admission to 134 candidates. The shortage of classroom spaces is most pronounced in the Pacific region. Identified minorities comprised 25.5% of Bachelor s degree program enrollments: 11.5% Black/African-American, 7% Asian, 6% Hispanic/Latino, and 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native. Another 6.5% of the Bachelor s enrollments were reported as minority but are unknown as to the specific category. At the Master s degree program level, enrollments are 21% identified minorities: 10% Asian, 6% Black/African-American, and 5% Hispanic/Latino. Another 12% of the Master s enrollments were reported as unknown. Enrollment percentages for each ethnic group, and for minorities as a whole, remain substantially unchanged from last year s findings and in fact have been relatively steady for the last five years. This is a disappointment given the substantial efforts undertaken to attract minorities to the profession by the AICPA, firms, universities, state CPA societies, business and industry and groups such as NABA, ALPFA and Ascend, to name some of those making financial and programmatic commitments. Key Findings 2009 TRENDS 5

7 4.7 % Percentage increase of Accounting enrollments in Female enrollment is 53% in Bachelor s degree programs, up 1% from last year, while in Master s degree programs males and females are at a 50/50 ratio, a 2% increase for males. On a regional basis, the Southern region tends to have the highest percentage of minority enrollments, while the Pacific region has the lowest percentage of female and minority enrollments. Predictions of future enrollments are, unsurprisingly, markedly different from those of a year ago. At the Bachelor s degree level, 41% of respondents expect lower enrollments going forward (only 4% were in this category a year ago), while at the Master s level 22% are projecting a lower number (versus only 1% a year ago). Those citing unknown as a response are fully 50% at the Bachelor s level (only 4% a year ago) and 43% at the Master s level (16% last year). Conversely, those expecting higher enrollments for Bachelor s candidates dropped from 60% to 4%, while at the Master s level higher enrollment projections fell from 63% to 29%. Clearly, the economic factors and uncertainties that are affecting both schools and students are driving these findings. In stark contrast, 75% of respondents believe Master s in Taxation enrollments will increase as opposed to only 16% in that category last year. Supply Graduates Combined graduates from all Bachelor s and Master s degree programs in increased by 3.5% to 66,459, continuing an upward trend and once again reaching record levels. Bachelor s degrees granted are 48,968, up 2.7% from last year, while Master s degrees granted rose to 17,491, an increase of 5.6%. Master s degrees granted represent just over 26% of the combined total, an increase of under 1%, which mirrors the minor gains posted in previous years TRENDS Key Findings

8 Accounting and/or business accredited programs (AACSB and ACBSP) produced 84% of all Bachelor s and Master s accounting degree graduates. AACSB accounting accredited programs supplied 40% of all graduates, virtually the same as in AACSB business accredited schools were 36% of the total, up slightly from last year. Regionally accredited programs stand at 16% of the total, again quite similar to a year ago. Graduates by gender are 51% female and 49% male, a 1% increase for males. Ethnicity of graduates is 30% minority, (including unknown ) down slightly from 32% in African-American graduates remained level at 7%, Hispanic/ Latino representation rose to 6% from 5%, Asian graduates remained at 8%, and other (mixed race or unidentified) decreased from 11% to 9% of that total. Once again the absolute number of minority graduates increased slightly, but the percentage of the total continues a trend of little movement. The distribution of Master s degrees awarded continues to heavily favor the Master s of Accounting degree, which represents 85% of all Master s degrees in accounting-related disciplines. Disappointingly, only 8% were Master s of Taxation, down from 16% a year ago. With higher predicted tax enrollments going forward, and expected new tax statutes, there is the possibility of a turnaround in this trend. MBAs in Accounting remained basically flat at 7% of the total. Placement of new graduates continues to be dominated by public practice firms: 35% of Bachelor s degree recipients and 74% of Master s degree graduates select public accounting as their first position after completing their degrees. Business and Industry is a second choice, with 20% of Bachelor s and 11% of Master s degree holders choosing this route. For enrollment and graduate findings in this report, the margin of error at the 90% confidence level is +/- 5.7%. 3.5 % Percentage increase of combined graduates from all Bachelor s and Master s degree programs in Key Findings 2009 TRENDS 7

9 Demand Hiring Hiring by CPA firms started strongly but tailed off considerably as the economy deteriorated in Fall of 2007 was reasonably robust; however, as economic conditions worsened, hiring began to slow substantially in the spring. There is an uneven pattern of hiring based on firm size. The smaller firms those having from 1-9 and from CPAs had hiring levels considerably below their previous year s totals. Given that their hiring is often later than the larger firms, their hiring decline at least partially explains the Spring fall-off in hiring overall. And although these firms individually are relatively small, the sheer number of such firms means that in aggregate, they clearly constitute the largest hiring group. In a somewhat counter-intuitive finding, those firms with CPAs actually increased their hiring in The largest firms with more than 200 CPAs started strong but were ultimately down about 10% from the previous year. Forecasts for hiring going forward are predictably uncertain. Overall hiring is expected to be the same (64%) or lower (26%) compared to this year. As later charts demonstrate, firms overall were very conservative in projecting hiring levels. Areas of assignment for new hires changed substantially by decreasing for MIS/Computers while increasing in Taxation. Total hires were 25,488 in The decrease from the previous year is slightly higher at the Bachelor s degree level but was clearly significant at the Master s level as well. Hiring of Master s degree candidates continued to increase, as did that for non-accounting graduates. Master s degree hires continue to be composed of 75% Master s of Accounting degrees, while Master s of Taxation and MBA in Accounting make up the rest in equal proportions. New accounting graduates hired by CPA firms were 55% female and 45% male, a 3% swing from the previous year when the ratio was 52% female and 48% male TRENDS Key Findings

10 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% In , 22% of all new accounting graduates hired were minorities. This is down from 26% a year ago. Identified ethnicity (not including unknown ) of all new accounting graduates hired was 22% of total, down from 26% a year ago. The breakdown is: Asian 12%, Black/African-American 4%, Hispanic/Latino 4%, and Native American/ Alaskan Native, under 2%. Expectations for reduced hiring of new non-accounting graduates are evident. 16% say they will hire fewer such graduates and fully 78% will hire the same as last year. Hiring of those with prior experience will basically hold steady. Demand Firm Demographics Overall there is little change in the demographic makeup of all responding firms, with gender, ethnicity and partner complements remaining substantially unchanged. For demand and hiring findings in this report, the margin of error at the 90% confidence level is +/- 4.4% and the R square is.98. The response rate of the largest 24 firms increased from 58% last year to 66% this year. CPA Exam In July of this year, the Uniform CPA Examination recently passed one million administrations of the computer based test. The number of exam takers on an annual basis appears to have reached parity or exceeded the number of those sitting prior to the administration of the computerized exam, which was introduced in April Key Findings 2009 TRENDS 9

11 New Additions Academics Given the pending adoption of IFRS, accounting programs were asked if they will offer IFRS course material in their curricula. 80% said that they currently include some IFRS material in the curriculum, and another 15% will add coverage by Fall Most other respondents indicated the likelihood of incorporating IFRS in some form by Clearly, new textbook editions, support from the firms, and AAA Commons have all contributed to moving forward in this area. Schools were also asked to identify how many of their accounting majors had transferred in from a community college. Based on the responses, it would appear that approximately 3% of the full-time Bachelor s degree level candidates originally matriculated at a community college. New Additions Firms Given the importance of attaining the CPA credential, firms were asked about the number of full-time employees that are currently attending classes in order to qualify for their CPA. Based on the survey responses, it is evident that firms continue to support the value of continued education and employees obtaining their CPA license. For example, the largest firms average more than 500 full-time employees currently enrolled in classes to satisfy the educational requirement for the CPA license. 80 % Percentage of accounting programs that say they currently have some IFRS curriculum in place. An additional 15% will add it by Fall TRENDS Key Findings

12 Key Findings 2009 TRENDS 11

13 2009 TRENDS in SUPPLY TRENDS Trends in Supply

14 SURVEY METHODOLOGY Survey Fielding A census of colleges and universities granting accounting degrees was invited to participate Survey invitations were ed November 5, 2008 The AICPA extensively followed up with non-respondents to maximize the response rate State societies encouraged college and university contacts to participate The field closed February 27, 2009 Survey Instrument Additional questions were added concerning: IFRS Curriculum Community College student transfers Dual Degree Programs Response Information Surveys were predominantly completed online; a paper copy response option was also available The overall response rate was 25%, almost identical to the response rate from a year ago Survey results have been weighted by the number of accounting faculty to reflect the entire population The margin of error at the 90% confidence level is +/-5.7% Regression equations were developed to forecast enrollment and graduation numbers The number of accounting faculty was used to predict enrollment and graduation Six regression equations were developed in total: an enrollment and graduation equation for each program (Bachelor s, Master s and Ph.D.) R squares were developed for each equation Only Ph.D. enrollment and graduation numbers cannot be accurately predicted The number of responses from AACSB Business accredited programs more than doubled across all degree levels providing for a more well rounded survey Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 13

15 Supply Survey Response Rate Mailed Out Returned RESPONSE RATE All Institutions % Accreditation Accounting AACSB Bachelor s % Master s % Ph.D % Business AACSB * Bachelor s % Master s % Ph.D % Business ACBSP ** Bachelor s % Master s % Ph.D % Other Bachelor s % Master s % Ph.D % TYPE Majority % Minority % REGION Eastern % North Central % Southern % Pacific % * AACSB = Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business ** ACBSP = Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs TRENDS Trends in Supply

16 Supply Survey Response Rate STATE Mailed Out Returned RESPONSE RATE STATE Mailed Out Returned RESPONSE RATE AK % MT % AL % NC % AR % ND % AZ % NE % CA % NH 5 0 0% CO % NJ % CT % NM 5 0 0% DC % NV % DE 5 0 0% NY % FL % OH % GA % OK % HI 6 0 0% OR % IA % PA % ID % PR 4 0 0% IL % RI 7 0 0% IN % SC % KS % SD % KY % TN % LA % TX % MA % UT % MD % VA % ME % VT 4 0 0% MI % WA % MN % WI % MO % WV % MS % WY % Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 15

17 TRENDS in SUPPLY ACCOUNTING ENROLLMENT TRENDS Trends in Supply

18 Accounting Enrollment by Program BA 134, , , , , ,075 MA Acc 10,375 12,565 17,540 18,795 21,253 22,291 MBA Acc 4,000 4,065 5,270 4,030 4,482 3,664 MA Tax 2,935 3,555 3,550 3,595 3,239 4,580 PhD , ,095 1,224 Total 152, , , , , ,834 Accounting enrollments continued to grow, especially in Bachelor s degree programs. Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 17

19 Enrollment by Gender % 90% 100% 80% 90% 70% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 60% 50% 40% 47% 30% 20% 53% 47% 53% 50% 50% 50% 50% 60% 40% 60% 40% 30% 10% 20% 10% BA MA Ph.D. BA MA Ph.D. Male Female Enrollment by Ethnicity Male Female 100% 90% 80% 70% 68% 67% 60% 59% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 11.5% 7% 6% 1% BA 6.5% 25.5% 10% 6% 5% 0% MA 12% 21% 23% 8% 2% 0% Ph.D. 8% 33% Asian/Pacific Island Black/African American Hispanic/Latino American Indian/Alaskan Native White Other/Unknown Total Ethnic TRENDS Trends in Supply

20 Bachelor s Enrollments by Major Declaration Survey Question: When can undergraduate students declare accounting as a major? 100% 90% 80% BY ACCREDITATION 70% 93% 60% 84% 50% 48% 71% BY ACCREDITATION 93% 84% 52% 100% 90% 80% 70% 81% 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 66% BY SECTOR 81% 66% BY SECTOR 71% 40% 30% 60% 50% 29% 40% 30% 34% 48% 20% 10% 52% 40% 30% 7% 16% 20% AACSB Accounting 10% AACSB Business 34% 19% 29% Immediately 20% End of Sophomore Year 10% ACBSP Other 19% Immediately End of Sophomore Year Private Public 7% 16% AACSB Accounting AACSB Business Immediately End of Sophomore Year Private Public ACBSP Immediately End of Sophomore Year Other 100% 90% 100% 80% 90% 80% 70% 70% 60% 60% 50% 50% 40% 40% 30% 30% 20% 20% 10% 10% BY REGION BY REGION 83% 83% 72% 69% 72% 63% 69% 63% 37% 31% 37% 31% 28% 28% 17% 23% 17% 23% Immediately End of Sophomore Year Eastern Eastern North North Central Central Southern Southern Pacific Pacific Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 19

21 Bachelor s Enrollments by Limited Space Survey Question: Are your enrollments limited by available spaces? If your enrollment is limited, roughly how many qualified candidates do you turn away? 16% BY ACCREDITATION 140 Schools w/ Limitations 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% Candidates Rejected AACSB Accounting AACSB Business ACBSP Other % Limited # of Rejections 14% BY SECTOR 70 Schools w/ Limitations 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% Candidates Rejected Private Public % Limited # of Rejections 28% BY REGION 100 Schools w/ Limitations 24% 20% 16% 12% 8% 4% Candidates Rejected % Limited Eastern N. Central Southern Pacific # of Rejections It remains a concern that 16% of AACSB Accounting Accredited programs are turning away an average of 56 qualified applicants. For those programs with AACSB Business Accreditation, only 6% report space constraints, but those that do are turning away an average of 134 qualified applicants TRENDS Trends in Supply

22 Bachelor s and Master s Enrollment by Ethnicity and Gender % TOTAL MINORITY - BY SECTOR AND REGION Public 33% Private 27% Pacific 22% Southern 38% BA N. Central 23% Eastern 32% Public 33% Private 33% Pacific Southern 16% 37% MA N. Central 31% Eastern 38% Public 40% Private 48% Pacific Southern N. Central 38% 46% 48% Ph.D. Eastern 53% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Sectors Regions % FEMALE BY SECTOR AND REGION Public 53% Private 53% Pacific Southern N. Central 43% 55% 54% BA Eastern 46% Public 54% Private 43% Pacific Southern 30% 55% MA N. Central 51% Eastern 52% Public Private Pacific Southern N. Central Eastern 40% 42% 46% 40% 33% 35% Ph.D. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Sectors Regions Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 21

23 Future Enrollment Predictions in Accounting Programs Survey Question: 100% For each of the following accounting programs listed, please indicate whether you expect enrollment at your institution two years from now 90% to be higher, lower or the same as current enrollment. 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 4% 5% 41% BA 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 50% 10% 29% 4% 6% 5% 41% BA 22% 50% 43% 44% 29% 6% 22% 43% 44% 75% 23% 23% 57% 23% 13% 10% 10% MA Accounting MBA Accounting MA Taxation 13% 10% 10% MA Accounting MBA Accounting MA Taxation Same This data obviously reflects uncertainty about funding and capacity, and Lower the resulting impact on student choices and outcomes. 2% 17% 75% 3% 2% 23% 23% 23% Ph.D. Higher Unknown 17% 3% 57% Ph.D. Higher Same Lower Unknown Community College Question Survey Question: To the degree you know or can estimate, how many students transfer to your accounting program from a 2-year school annually? This is the first time this question has been asked. Given that approximately 1,000 community colleges teach some form of accounting, and considering current economic conditions, this enrollment segment may well expand if capacity limits continue at Bachelor s and Master s degree programs. There were 6,096 students who will attend 173 schools. This accounts for over 3% of the enrollments for this year TRENDS Trends in Supply

24 IFRS Question Survey Question: Does your school offer courses which include IFRS material? IFRS Materials 20% 80% Yes No A large majority of accounting programs have begun to include at least some IFRS-related material in their curricula, with most of the rest to follow in the next year or so. Survey Question: When do you anticipate adding IFRS curriculum? IFRS Curriculum 80% 15% 4% 1% Already implemented Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 23

25 TRENDS IN SUPPLY ACCOUNTING GRADUATES Accounting Degrees Awarded Historical ,000 50,000 48,968 40,000 30,000 20,000 17,491 10, Bachelor s Master s The number of Bachelor s graduates increased by 2.7% and Master s graduates increased by 5.6% TRENDS Trends in Supply

26 Accounting Degrees Awarded by All Schools through YEAR GRADUATES BACHELOR S MASTER S TOTAL DEMAND RATE OF GROWTH GRADUATES RATE OF GROWTH GRADUATES RATE OF GROWTH , , , , % 2, % 29, % , % 3, % 34, % , % 4, % 39, % , % 4,700 +9% 44, % , % 5, % 50, % ,000 +3% 5,670 +1% 51,670 +3% ,800 +6% 5,640-1% 54,440 +5% ,870 +2% 5,280-6% 55,150 +1% ,320-1% 5,520 +5% 54,840-1% ,300 +2% 5,570 +1% 55,870 +2% ,950 +3% 5,810 +4% 57,760 +3% ,020 +2% 6,330 +9% 59,350 +3% ,980-2% 5,910-7% 57,890-2% ,000-4% 5,750-3% 55,750-4% ,030-4% 5,580-3% 53,610-4% ,340-4% 4,910-12% 51,250-4% , % 5,230 +7% 57, % , ,040-4% 57,360-1% ,600 +1% 5, % 59,140 +3% , , % 60,390 +2% ,060-6% 5,330-25% 55,390-8% ,450 +7% 7, % 60,620 +9% , , % 61,220 +1% ,030-2% 7,630-3% 59,660-3% ,170-21% 6,725-12% 47,895-20% ,115-10% 7, % 45,095-6% ,855 +2% 8,700 +9% 46,555 +3% ,995-8% 9, % 44,695-4% ,010 +6% 12, % 49, % ,420 +9% 13,340 +5% 53,760 +8% , % 16, % 64, % , % 17, % 66, % Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 25

27 Accounting Graduates Snapshot (BA & MA combined) Accreditation Region Other 16% AACSB Accounting 40% North Central 29% Pacific 12% ACBSP 8% AACSB Business 36% Eastern 19% Southern 40% Gender Ethnicity Female 51% Male 49% Other 9% Hispanic/Latino 6% White 70% Black/African American 7% Asian/Pacific Island 8% Dual Degree Programs Survey Question: How many persons reflected in the Bachelor s and Master s graduates data you provided above in Q5 and Q8 are graduates of dual degree programs (programs which grant a Bachelor s and Master s to the same person)? This is the first time this question was asked. 17% of the responding schools offer dual degree programs that allow the student to earn both a Bachelor s and Master s concurrently TRENDS Trends in Supply

28 Graduates by Gender % NEW DEGREES BY GENDER (BA & MA) 75% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% 45% 40% % 49% Female (%) Male (%) Bachelor s and Master s Graduates by Ethnicity ETHNIC BREAKDOWN Asian/Pacific Island Black/African American Hispanic/Latino American Indian/Alaskan Native Other/Unknown Reflecting population demographics, the percentage of Hispanic/Latino graduates has begun to increase. Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 27

29 New Accounting Graduates from AACSB Accounting and AACSB & ACBSP Accredited Business Administration Programs AACSB Accounting Programs & AACSB & ACBSP Business Admin. Programs Bachelor s Master s TOTAL ,070 7,260 35, ,175 7,235 35, ,880 9,170 37, ,590 11,905 42, ,120 12,635 45, ,555 14,912 53, ,734 16,115 55,849 Accounting graduates from accounting and business accredited programs continue to rise, 3% for Bachelor s over the survey, and 8% at the Master s level. New Accounting Graduates from Other Business Administration Programs Number of Other Business administration programs Bachelor s Master s TOTAL , , ,680 1,465 11, , , , , , , ,107 1,647 10, ,234 1,376 10, TRENDS Trends in Supply

30 Master s Degrees by Program Type % 80% 85% 60% 40% 20% 0% % 7% MA Accounting MBA Accounting MA Taxation Master s degrees in Accounting (MAcc) continue to be the dominant program of choice at the Master s level. The continuing decline in Master s degrees in Taxation remains a concern. Accounting Degrees by Geographic Region GRADUATES BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA (BA & MA) 40% 39% 35% 30% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 19% 12% 5% 0% Southern North Central Eastern Pacific Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 29

31 35,000 Accounting Graduates by Sector ,000 32,352 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5, ,352 16,616 11,937 5,554 16,616 11, , ,554 BA Public BA Private MA Public MA Private BA Public BA Private MA Public MA Private TRENDS Trends in Supply

32 Placement of Graduates by Degree Level* BA MA 20% 35% 3% 1% 74% 11% 3% 18% 1% 2% 2% 21% 2% 7% Public Accounting Business/Industry Government Non-Profit Graduate School Other Areas Unknown Graduates from both Bachelor s and Master s accounting programs are most likely to begin work in Public Accounting. The distribution of Bachelor s graduates across sectors is more evenly spread, however, with roughly two-thirds working in other sectors. Less than one-third of Master s graduates begin work in sectors other than Public Accounting. *Based on placement data provided by responding schools, but with varying degrees of certainty regarding accuracy. Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 31

33 Placement of Bachelor s Graduates by Accreditation* % AACSB Accounting 18% 3% 11% ACBSP Business 45% 2% 1% 14% 2% 23% 25% 2% 2% 23% 22% AACSB Business Other 2% 33% 17% 3% 43% 6% 22% 2% 1% 3% 17% 29% Public Accounting Business/Industry Government Non-Profit Graduate School Other Areas Unknown *Based on placement data provided by responding schools, but with varying degrees of certainty regarding accuracy TRENDS Trends in Supply

34 Placement of Master s Graduates by Accreditation* AACSB Accounting ACBSP Business 7% 1% 2% 2% 3% 5% 1% 6% 44% 8% 80% 9% 32% AACSB Business Other 1% 2% 2% 1% 2% 5% 1% 9% 9% 79% 12% 77% Public Accounting Graduate School Business/Industry Other Areas Government Unknown Non-Profit Master s graduates of all accreditation types are most likely to begin work in Public Accounting. * Based on placement data provided by responding schools, but with varying degrees of certainty regarding accuracy. Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 33

35 Placement of Bachelor s and Master s Graduates by Region* Eastern North Central 16% 15% 11% 57% 17% 49% 16% 19% Southern Pacific 24% 32% 10% 21% 26% 55% 18% 14% Public Accounting Business/Industry Other Areas Unknown *Based on placement data provided by responding schools, but with varying degrees of certainty regarding accuracy TRENDS Trends in Supply

36 Placement of Bachelor s Graduates by Ethnicity* Asian/Pacific Islander Black/African American 22% 34% 35% 21% 22% 22% 20% 24% Hispanic/Latino Other 31% 36% 10% 4% 72% 18% 15% 14% White 53% 14% Public Accounting Business/Industry Other Areas Unknown 16% 17% *Based on placement data provided by responding schools, but with varying degrees of certainty regarding accuracy. Trends in Supply 2009 TRENDS 35

37 Placement of Master s Graduates by Ethnicity* Asian/Pacific Islander Black/African American 25% 47% 45% 9% 7% 21% 11% 35% Hispanic/Latino American Indian/Alaskan Native 46% 5% 9% 8% 37% 95% 8% 2% White 80% 11% 7% Other 46% 10% 36% Public Accounting Business/Industry Other Areas Unknown *Based on placement data provided by responding schools, but with varying degrees of certainty regarding accuracy TRENDS Trends in Supply

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39 2009 TRENDS in DEMAND TRENDS Trends in Supply

40 SURVEY METHODOLOGY Survey Fielding Sampling A census of public accounting firms with 10 or more AICPA members was invited to participate A random sample of public accounting firms with less than 10 members were invited to participate Survey invitations were ed November 7, 2008 The AICPA extensively followed up with non-respondents to maximize the response rate The field closed February 27, 2009 Survey Instrument An additional question was added concerning: Full time employees enrolled in courses to become eligible for the CPA credential Response Information Surveys were predominantly completed online A paper copy response option was also made available The overall response rate was 8%, but almost 63% of the largest firm group surveyed responded, including fifteen of the twenty-four largest firms, generating substantial numerical coverage of demand and hiring Analysis & Reporting Survey results have been weighted to be reflective of the entire public accounting population Results were weighted by the size of firms as determined by the number of AICPA members employed The margin of error at the 90% confidence level is +/-4.4% A regression equation was developed to forecast hiring The number of AICPA members employed at public accounting firms was used to forecast hiring The R square is.98 Trends in Demand 2009 TRENDS 39

41 Demand Survey Response Rate TOTAL NUMBER OF FIRMS NUMBER OF FIRMS SURVEYED NUMBER OF FIRMS RESPONDING RESPONSE RATE All Firms 39,858 4, % FIRM SIZE BASED ON NUMBER OF AICPA MEMBERS EMPLOYED Fewer than 10 38,583 3, % 10 to 49 1,163 1, % 50 to % Over % New Accounting Graduates Hired by CPA Firms ,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 25,488 19,110 15,000 10,000 5,000 6, Bachelor s Master s Total Demand Hiring demand fell in , an expected result given economic conditions TRENDS Trends in Demand

42 New Accounting Graduates Hired by CPA Firms YEAR BACHELOR S MASTER S TOTAL DEMAND ,800 2,000 8, ,900 2,400 11, ,000 2,600 12, ,500 2,600 12, ,200 2,800 12, ,010 3,350 13, ,660 3,310 14, ,770 2,890 15, ,500 2,900 16, ,100 2,460 16, ,200 2,210 16, ,970 2,210 14, ,490 2,180 16, ,640 2,180 17, ,510 2,250 18, ,110 2,030 18, ,720 2,050 18, ,740 2,220 18, ,240 2,600 27, ,340 2,500 23, ,840 1,760 20, ,870 2,650 22, ,320 2,670 21, ,500 2,970 21, ,560 3,375 21, ,820 2,650 20, ,960 3,250 20, ,265 3,686 20, ,335 3,035 16, ,630 3,295 15, ,270 3,555 16, ,985 4,720 19, ,025 8,087 36, ,110 6,378 25,488 Trends in Demand 2009 TRENDS 41

43 New Accounting Graduates Hired by CPA Firms Percentage by Degree % NEW ACCOUNTING GRADUATES HIRED BY FIRMS PERCENTAGE BY DEGREE 70% 60% 56% 50% 40% 30% 26% 20% 18% 10% 0% Bachelor s Master s Total Non-Accounting TRENDS Trends in Demand

44 New Accounting Graduates Hired by CPA Firms Demographics % NEW HIRES BY GENDER 70% 60% 50% 55% 45% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Female (%) Male (%) New Accounting Graduates Hired by CPA Firms Ethnicity Asian/Pacific Islander Black/African- American Hispanic/ Latino American Indian/Alaskan Native Total Ethnic/ Racial White Other/ Unknown % 3% 7% 0% 20% 79% 1% % 3% 6% 0% 17% 82% 1% % 3% 6% 0% 17% 82% 1% % 5% 4% 0% 18% 81% 1% % 3% 8% 0% 23% 76% 1% % 8% 4% 1% 26% 72% 2% % 4% 4% 2% 22% 78% 0% Trends in Demand 2009 TRENDS 43

45 New Accounting Master s Graduates Hired by CPA Firms Percentage by Type of Degree % NEW ACCOUNTING MASTER S GRADUATES HIRED BY TYPE OF DEGREE 90% 80% 70% 75% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% % 12% Master s in Accounting MBA in Accounting Master s in Taxation Master s in Accounting degrees represent three-fourths of new CPA firm Master s hires, significantly higher than Master s in Taxation and MBAs in Accounting TRENDS Trends in Demand

46 New Accounting Graduates Hired by CPA Firms by Area of Assignment % ALL CPA FIRMS HISTORICAL TREND 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Accounting/Auditing 69% 72% 72% 77% 60% 57% MIS/Computers 2% 1% 2% 2% 13% 5% Taxation 24% 22% 21% 17% 23% 35% Other 5% 5% 5% 4% 4 % 3% All CPA Firms Accounting/Auditing 57% Other 3% Taxation 35% MIS/Computers 5% Accounting/Auditing remains the most common area of assignment for new graduates at CPA firms, while Taxation has grown significantly since the survey. Trends in Demand 2009 TRENDS 45

47 Demand Forecast New Accounting Graduates to be Hired NUMBER OF MEMBERS All Firms <10 10% 10% 26% 64% 25% 65% % 9% 35% 24% 63% 56% >200 62% Higher The Same Lower 38% Projected hiring in the coming year looks to be level or below the past year, reflecting continued caution by Public Accounting firms TRENDS Trends in Demand

48 Demand Forecast New Non-Accounting Graduates to be Hired NUMBER OF MEMBERS All Firms <10 6% 6% 16% 78% 16% 78% % 6% 59% 18% 81% 35% >200 8% Higher The Same Lower 25% 67% Very few firms expect increased hiring in this category, with the majority anticipating hiring similar to this year. Trends in Demand 2009 TRENDS 47

49 Demand Forecast Expected Number of CPAs on Staff NUMBER OF MEMBERS All Firms <10 26% 24% 3% 71% 3% 73% % 44% 1% 36% 3% 53% >200 54% Higher The Same Lower 8% 38% Firms clearly expect for the most part to hire the same or greater numbers than in the past year TRENDS Trends in Demand

50 Demand Forecast Experienced Recruits to be Hired Survey Question: Is the number of experienced recruits hired by your firm likely to be higher, lower or the same as the previous year? NUMBER OF MEMBERS All Firms <10 17% 16% 7% 76% 6% 78% % 26% 6% 54% 24% 50% >200 46% 8% Higher The Same Lower 46% Firms expect for the most part to hire the same number of experienced hires as in the past year except for the largest firms which forecast a significant decrease. Trends in Demand 2009 TRENDS 49

51 FIRM DEMOGRAPHICS TRENDS Introduction

52 Demographics All Accounting Employees at CPA Firms Male 51% Gender Female 49% Ethnicity 10% 83% 3% 1% 3% Area of Assignment White Asian/Pacific Island 43% Black/African American Hispanic/Latino 13% Other 7% 6% 3% 28% Accounting Auditing Assurance Services Taxation MIS/Computer Other Areas Demographics 2009 TRENDS 51

53 Demographics Full-Time Employees Enrolled in Courses for CPA Eligibility Survey Question: How many full-time employees are currently attending classes in order to qualify for their CPA? FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES IN SCHOOL < > < > TRENDS Demographics

54 Professional Staff Demographics by Firm Size GENDER All Firms <10 51% 47% 49% 53% % 52% 48% 48% >200 56% Male Female 44% Females are only in the majority at firms with <10 employees. Ethnicity All Firms < >200 White 83% 92% 85% 77% 74% Black/African-American 3% 1% 1% 2% 4% Hispanic/Latino 3% 2% 3% 2% 4% Asian/Pacific Islander 10% 4% 5% 7% 17% American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Other 1% 0% 2% 1% 1% Unknown 0% 1% 4% 11% 0% The largest firms are the most diverse. Demographics 2009 TRENDS 53

55 Partners Demographics by Firm Size GENDER All Firms <10 77% 74% 23% 26% % 79% 19% 21% >200 84% Male Female 16% Ethnicity All Firms < >200 White 89% 89% 93% 66% 93% Black/African-American 1% 1% 0% 0% 1% Hispanic/Latino 1% 0% 1% 1% 2% Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 2% 1% 1% 3% American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Other 1% 0% 1% 1% 1% Unknown 6% 8% 4% 31% 0% Female partnership continues to increase very gradually while minority partnership collectively has not advanced TRENDS Demographics

56 CPAs Demographics by Firm Size GENDER All Firms <10 59% 59% 41% 41% % 63% 41% 37% >200 60% Male Female 40% Ethnicity All Firms < >200 White 88% 92% 89% 76% 83% Black/African-American 1% 0% 1% 1% 2% Hispanic/Latino 2% 2% 2% 1% 3% Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 3% 3% 5% 11% American Indian/Alaska Native 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Other 1% 1% 1% 0% 1% Unknown 3% 2% 4% 17% 0% Demographics 2009 TRENDS 55

57 Female and Minority-Owned CPA Firms by Firm Size* % NUMBER OF MEMBERS 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 25% 20% 10% 4% 1% 7% <10 Minority Owned Female Owned * All percentages are based on weighted data TRENDS Demographics

58 CPA Examination YEAR TOTAL NUMBER OF RESPONSES YEAR TOTAL NUMBER OF RESPONSES , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , * 44, , , , , ,236 * 2004 represents the first year the exam was offered as a computer-based test. Prior to April 2004, the Uniform CPA Examination was administered twice a year in May and November in a paper-and-pencil format. Under the new format, Examinations are now administered continuously for a two-month window each quarter. FOOTNOTE: In July of this year, the Uniform CPA Examination passed one million administrations of the computer-based test. The number of exam takers on an annual basis has reached parity or exceeded the number of those sitting prior to the administration of the computerized exam, which was introduced in April Although it appears as though the number of exam candidates has decreased sharply since the advent of the computerized format, comparison of these numbers may be misleading. Under the paper-and-pencil format, candidates who took the Examination in both May and November were counted twice. Under the computerized format of the Examination, each candidate is counted only once per year regardless of how many times they attempt a section or in how many windows they test. CPA Examination 2009 TRENDS 57

59 APPENDIX Breakdown of Geographic Regions TRENDS Appendix

60 Appendix 2009 TRENDS 59

61 TRENDS Appendix